Covering period of Friday 11 July – At 9:59am MetService escalated the severe weather warnings in the Tasman District to a Red Warning for Heavy Rain, in consultation with the Tasman District Council. MetService Red Warnings are reserved for the most extreme weather events where significant impact and disruption is expected.
The Red Rain Warning is valid until 11pm tonight (Friday) and covers the Tasman District about and southeast of Motueka and north of Lake Rotoroa, excluding Nelson City. The escalation to a Red Warning comes on the back of three weeks of heavy rain events that have led to very saturated conditions and high river levels, with further rainfall expected with the current weather system. The region has already seen more than 50 mm of rain so far today, with a further 80 to 120 mm expected.
MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane says, “Dangerous river conditions, flooding, slips, and dangerous road conditions are expected.”
“A Red Warning signifies that people need to act now as immediate action is required to protect people, animals and property from the impact of the weather. People should also be prepared to follow the advice of official authorities and emergency services.”
This is the second Red Warning MetService has issued this year, and it’s the 17th Red Warning weather event since the highest alert level was introduced back in May 2019.
A Watch for Strong Winds is also in place for the Tasman District for northerlies and northeasterlies approaching severe gale. The wet ground may act together with the strong winds to increase the chances of trees falling.
It’s not just the top of the South Island which is lined up for severe weather. Many parts of the North Island are under a blanket of Warnings and Watches for Heavy Rain and Strong Winds. Northland, Auckland, Coromandel, and Bay of Plenty may see a period of downpours as the weather system moves across this afternoon and evening.
Keep up to date with weather and warnings via metservice.com or our free MetService weather app.
MetService also now provides push notifications for Red Severe Weather Warnings via our app. More information can be found here about enabling them.
Understanding MetService Severe Weather Warning System
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings (Localised Red Warning) – take cover now:
This warning is a red warning for a localised area.
When extremely severe weather is occurring or will do within the hour.
Severe thunderstorms have the ability to have significant impacts for an area indicated in the warning.
In the event of a Severe Thunderstorm Red Warning: Act now!
Red Warnings are about taking immediate action:
When extremely severe weather is imminent or is occurring
Issued when an event is expected to be among the worst that we get – it will have significant impact and it is possible that a lot of people will be affected
In the event of a Red Warning: Act now!
Orange Warnings are about taking action:
When severe weather is imminent or is occurring
Typically issued 1 – 3 days in advance of potential severe weather
In the event of an Orange Warning: Take action.
Thunderstorm Watch means thunderstorms are possible, be alert and consider action
Show the area that thunderstorms are most likely to occur during the validity period.
Although thunderstorms are often localised, the whole area is on watch as it is difficult to know exactly where the severe thunderstorm will occur within the mapped area.
During a thunderstorm Watch: Stay alert and take action if necessary.
Watches are about being alert:
When severe weather is possible, but not sufficiently imminent or certain for a warning to be issued
Typically issued 1 – 3 days in advance of potential severe weather.
During a Watch: Stay alert
Outlooks are about looking ahead:
To provide advanced information on possible future Watches and/or Warnings
Issued routinely once or twice a day
Recommendation: Plan.
